Chapter 890: Chapter 889: Obstinate and Unyielding
Old Lady Zhouās words were clearly a threat, a form of coercion. In an instant, a flame of anger erupted within Zhou Xuennian. He wanted to burst out, but forcibly suppressed it in his core; he still understood the importance of the situation.
"Mother, arenāt you putting me in a difficult position and forcing me?" Zhou Xuennian said in a deep voice.
Old Lady Zhou sneered, "What, I gave birth and raised you, and alongside your father, supported your education. We didnāt expect you to be filial to me, and now youāre saying Iām making things difficult for you? Saying Iām forcing you, how am I forcing you?"
"You..." Isnāt that coercion?
"Itās not unheard of for someone to live with a young fellow since ancient times. You donāt have any fame or fortune, so why fear being mocked? If youāre really afraid, you wouldnāt ignore my words and disobey me!"
Zhou Xuennianās face turned dark, "Mother, how have I disobeyed you?"
"How many times have I told you not to meddle in Wufuās matters and just live a peaceful life? Did you listen? If you had listened, where did this pile of stuff come from?" Old Lady Zhou said, pointing to the heap of gifts on the table.
"Isnāt this all from your son-in-law... the man Ying Mei sent over to honor you!" Zhou Xuennian chuckled dryly.
Old Lady Zhou laughed, "If he and Ying Mei had a legitimate relationship, I would be very pleased with this kind of honoring, but they donāt, so I donāt deserve this kind of fortune."
"Mother..."
"Thereās no need to say more; whatever you all want to do is up to you. About the past, I have advised and warned enough. Itās just the same old argument, and Iām not going to repeat it!" Old Lady Zhou said tiredly, "You should go back, and when you want to leave, just say the word. Once youāre gone, whatever happens, you donāt need to inform me. I believe that after Iām gone, your younger brother will take good care of my funeral arrangements."
Zhou Xuennian and Zhou Xueli both felt a sudden twitch in their foreheads.
"Mother, please donāt say things like that." Zhou Xueliās throat choked up.
Old Lady Zhou patted his hand, saying, "Good boy, mother is fine. I can still help take care of the children for a few more years!"
Zhou Xueli nodded, giving Zhou Xuennian a few strong glares.
Zhou Xuennianās expression was extremely difficult to look at, and he fidgeted, unable to sit still.
"Go on, thereās no need to talk here. Weāre used to simple meals and canāt afford the delicacies of the land, and Iām afraid to eat and have it catch me in the back," Old Lady Zhou waved him off.
Zhou Xuennian cursed repeatedly in his heart at her stubbornness, her old-fashioned ways, foolishness, and her refusal to enjoy a comfortable life, insisting on living this hard way. Is her mind also going senile!
"Mother is used to a quiet life in the countryside; your son wonāt force you. In the future, Iāll demolish this house and build a large mansion. You and the younger ones can live comfortably," Zhou Xuennian forced a smile and said, "But, Mother, thereās still one thing Iād like to ask of you."
Old Lady Zhou looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Itās about Mei. Sheās been foolish. After waiting for Wu Lihong for so many years, she finally got him back, but now sheās quarreling with him, and naively wants Wu Lihong to give up his official position and clan to stay here and live with her and Wufu," Zhou Xuennian said with a stern face, "Isnāt this just wishful thinking? Sheās of an age now, and still naively like a child. How can this work? What if she drives him away, where will she cry then? So, Mother, do you think you could go persuade her? After all, she has to think for herself and Wufu."
Zhou Xueli, not being foolish this time, immediately understood the implications and shouted, "You mean to have Mother persuade our sister to be someoneās mistress? Zhou Xuennian, are you out of your mind!"